This time of year, you can simply roll out of bed, fill your tote with a bottle of sunscreen, that juicy novel you’ve been dying to read and a big, fluffy towel, and head straight to the nearest beach or pool.
The one thing that can put a snag in that summer plan? Finding a swimsuit that doesn’t make you want to scrap the whole thing and crawl back under the covers. Whether you’re curvy or straight up and down, fuller on top or on the bottom, or wish you could whittle your middle, there’s a suit out there to not only flatter your body shape, but also give you the confidence to strut your stuff in style. Cover-up? Totally optional.
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
1Circle Shape: Tame That Tummy
“A shaping swimsuit with tummy control is a great pick if you’re larger around the middle,” says Sam Winyard, assistant buyer at Figleaves.com. “This gives support around the belly area and smoothes and flatters the silhouette. Draw attention to your fab legs with a higher-cut brief.”
Miraclesuit Jena one-shoulder shaping suit, $152
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
2Circle Shape: Master of Disguise
When you’re trying to disguise extra weight around your middle but want a two-piece swimsuit, look for pleating and shirring to hide imperfections. This could be in a long tankini-style top or a high-waisted bottom. Bonus tip: Floral prints are not only trendy this season, but they also help camouflage a thicker waist.
Left: Lands’ End Bella Flora pleated tankini top, $89, and bottom, $45
Right: Lands’ End Bella Flora floral pleated balconette bikini top, $85, and bottom, $55
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
3Triangle Shape: Balance It Out
Lilliana Vazquez, founder of CheapChicas.com and author of “The Cheap Chica’s Guide to Style,” says a bikini with details like ruffles or prints works well for women with a Triangle shape. “Volume on the top will help to balance out the bigger bottom,” she says.
Maaji Sandy Flirty bikini top and bottom, $111
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
4Triangle Shape: Ruffle Things Up
Opt for the LBD of swimsuits. Of course, black is slimming, but add in a ruffle across the bust and you’ve got a figure-flattering look to keep you cool by the pool.
Topshop Black Frill shelf swimsuit, $64
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
5Inverted Triangle Shape: Lend Some Support
“Underwire swimsuits give the best support if you’re heavier on the top,” says Winyard. “In fact, if you’re a C-cup or above, try to look for bra-sized swim separates so you can ensure a perfect fit with lift and support for your bust. Bikini briefs with details such as ruffles will draw the eye to your hips and waist, balancing out your figure.”
Curvy Kate Coral Reef halter neck bikini top, $74, and adjustable bikini short, $41
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
6Inverted Triangle Shape: Tall Order
If you have an athletic build with broad shoulders, narrow hips and height to spare, it can be difficult to find a suit to fit your longer Inverted Triangle torso. “The trick is to find a one-piece swimsuit that is crafted for a longer torso and made to fit a tall frame properly,” says Jane Woolf, brand director at Long Tall Sally. “Also, look for longer straps that don’t pull or dig.”
Long Tall Sally snake-print halter neck tankini, $75
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
7Hourglass Shape: Get Comfy
“If you have an hourglass figure you can pretty much wear anything since you’re perfectly in proportion, so wear something you are comfortable in,” Cheap Chica’s Vazquez says. “If you are heavier chested, go for a halter top.”
Maaji Cockatoo printed bustier swim top, $68, and reversible bottom, $62
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
8Hourglass Shape: Show Your Stripes
Show off those curves with a retro-inspired, color-block one-piece strapless swimsuit that comes with a removable halter strap in case you need a little extra support.
Victoria’s Secret Forever Sexy color-block one-piece, $59
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
9Ruler Shape: I’m With the Bandeau
“Show off your slender figure in a bikini,” Winyard says. “Bandeau swimsuits will give the illusion of broader shoulders and a larger bust, and boy-short briefs will play up the hips.”
Vix Swimwear Ipe Carmen bandeau bikini top, $96, and leather detail bikini brief, $88
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
10Ruler Shape: Twist and Shout
It’s true: Ruler shapes can pretty much wear any style and look great. But if you want to add a little curve appeal, look for a bikini bottom with extra details —stripes and ruching, for example—and a top with a cute pattern and structured cups.
Apt. 9 white dot bandeau bikini top, $22, and black nautical stripe ruched side scoop bottom, $22
*All images are provided by the designers and stores. Models are not meant to represent any particular body shape.
